But Green had not been idle. Constant recruiting had increased his force to nearly fifteen hundred men, and he visited Scotland and Knox counties, driving out the loyal citizens, insulting and abusing their families, and committing fearful depredations upon them. At length it was evident that he was about to attack the Unionists at Athens, and again they sent to Keokuk for assistance. Seventy of the militia from that place went up to Croton, a small town on the Iowa side of the Des Moines river, opposite Athens, but refused to cross. Moore, however, received reinforcements until his command reached four hundred, and encamped in the town, awaiting the moment of action, with his main force stationed on a street parallel to, and his right and left wings extending to the river. There and in this order the Federalists were attacked by a force of from twelve to fifteen hundred men, with no chance of retreat, except by fording a stream fully three hundred yards in width, and exposed to a murderous fire. They were without artillery, while the enemy had an eight-pounder, which was placed on the brow of the hill, in a position to rake the principal street, while two imitation guns were placed in sight, intended to inspire a fear, which few men of that little band were capable of experiencing. The attack opened between five and six o’clock in the morning. At its very commencement, Lieutenant-Colonel Callahan, who commanded a company of cavalry in the rebel ranks, retired across the river and continued his flight until he reached the Mississippi river at Montrose. A portion of Moore’s infantry were also seized with a momentary panic, and fled across the river; but on seeing their companions stand firm, many returned and took part in the action. About three hundred only of the Unionists bore the brunt, and firm as regulars, delivered their fire with coolness and precision. The fight, regular and irregular, lasted about an hour and a half, and then Colonel Moore led his centre to a charge, which routed the enemy, and left him and his brave associates undisputed masters of the field. The loss of the Unionists was ten killed and the same number wounded, and that of the rebels fourteen killed and forty wounded. BATTLE OF WILSON’S CREEK. AUGUST 10, 1861.